Which U.S. authorities recognize foreign academic degrees?

In the United States there is no single government agency that recognizes degrees obtained abroad. In practice, equivalency is determined by private credential evaluation organizations, which follow nationally recognized standards and compare your degree to the American educational system.

This type of assessment, known as credential evaluation, is common in qualification-based immigration processes such as the EB-2 NIW, where demonstrating academic background and experience is required. The evaluation report is typically accepted by employers, universities, and USCIS itself.

• Leading organizations include NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) and IERF (International Education Research Foundation).
• Recognition does not come directly from the government, but from these specialized assessments.
• It is worth verifying the credibility of the evaluation company before hiring their services.

Since requirements may vary depending on the case, follow USCIS guidelines and confirm current guidance through official sources or a qualified specialist before submitting your evaluation.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.